Valentine’s Gifts That Won’t Break the Bank

Dating expert Julie Spira has some great ideas for how to celebrate the hearts holiday with a new beau or BFF. Read on for her finds!

If you’re in a new relationship or have just started dating someone, the pressure could be high around Valentine’s Day. Perhaps you’ve just been communicating online with someone, and haven’t had the time to meet in person yet. Maybe Valentine’s Day will be your first or second date.

If this is the case, overwhelming him or her with a lavish present may make him or her feel uncomfortable. The Discover card 2013 Valentine’s Day Shopping Survey found that 45% of consumers expect to spend $25 on Valentine’s Day.

If you’re already friends on Facebook, the world’s largest social network, they’re making it easy for you to send someone a Valentine’s gift this year, without having to leave the house or your computer behind.

How do you use Facebook gifts?

Visit the profile home page of the object of your affection, where you’ll notice the red and white gift box above the status update. When you click on the gift icon, you’ll see a variety of gift options. If you select gifts $15 and under, you’ll find Valentine’s gifts for every relationship status, which are within most people’s budget.

If you haven’t become friends on Facebook yet, there’s no need to fret. Most of these gift ideas can be purchased online or in a variety of stores in your hometown.

Not sure what to select?

Here are 7 of my favorite gift ideas from $10 – $15 to send to the object of your affection, or your BFF.

1. A Caffeine-Filled Gift Card. If you went on a first date for coffee, and you know he or she is a caffeine junkie, you can memorialize the day with a gift card to Starbuck’s or another coffee spot. $10.

2. The L-O-V-E Strawberry Gram. These six juicy, premium strawberries are hand-dipped in delicious dark Belgian chocolate and decorated with white chocolate lettering to spell L-O-V-E or drizzled with colorful confection. Presented in an elegant gift box, they’re the perfect Valentine’s treat for someone who’s been waiting to hear those special three words. $15.

3. Valentine’s Apple hand-dipped in Caramel and Chocolate. This Valentine’s Day treat is both healthy and blissfully decadent: the granny smith apple is covered first in delicious caramel, then hand-dipped in dark Belgian chocolate and artfully decorated with elegant satin bow. It’s a sweet way to celebrate a Valentine. $13.

4. Red-Blooded Memo Books. Feeling creative? Wondering if he’ll write you a love note in the near future? Send him a set of these three bright red notebooks so his creative side can come out. $10.

5. Sweet Pea Candle Tin. If you’re counting calories this year, ditch the chocolate idea and present her with a romantic soy candle to help spark the romance. $11.

6. Anti-Valentine’s Candy. Sending a gift to your single friend? Check out the Anti-Valentine’s Candy, which celebrates his or her singlehood. You can let your friend know it’s time to “Stop Kissing Frogs” for only $5.

7. Pick Up Lines Coaster Set. Looking for a last minute date? Try these cute pick-up lines coasters or send a set to your single friends to help them if they’re feeling shy. From “Do you believe in love at first sight…or should I walk by again?” to “Do you have a sunburn…or are you always this hot?” they’re worth a chuckle or two. $15.